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Preparation - God's Way! - March 23, 2006
"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies." Psalm 23:5 (NIV)
As I prepared this weekend for our Super Bowl party, I made a list in advance and checked it twice. I wanted to be sure that everything I needed was on it. Will there be enough food, plates, sodas and snacks? And, will the choices I've selected be agreeable to everyone?
Oh, how I pondered this list over and over again. After all, I needed to be certain that it was just perfect before I headed out and purchased what I needed. How good it felt to be prepared and to know everything was well thought out in advance for this very special day.
As I searched the scriptures this morning, I found a very well known chapter that we've all probably read at least once: Psalm 23. But, as I laid my heart before God, I asked to see what He wanted me to see in this familiar scripture. There before me was, "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies". Now normally, I would just glance over this and say, "Oh yeah, that was for David and the many enemies he faced daily." Oh, but God opened up my heart to see how incredibly personal and precious this one line of His Word was to me and for each of us.
Just think about it, He prepares a table in front of my enemies. There's no covering it up or hiding in the shadows. And, as He revealed more, I asked just what would be on that table? He showed me the perfect assortment on His list that I would need to face any enemy or difficult situation. Laid out before me was a large table filled with perfectly placed God-given equipment. There was wisdom for when I need it most and a precious vial of oil to soothe my hurting heart from unkind words that may have been spoken to me. There was a large package of grace just begging to be opened before the harsh words that I had waiting on my tongue were spoken. Or, perhaps I needed that extra dose of strength, just to get through the day after feeling so persecuted and beat down.
And, as I continued to look, I saw a whole lot of courage with my name inscribed on it, waiting for me to put it on. There was a plateful of tenderness and a cup overflowing with peace. But, before me on this table so beautifully prepared, was a centerpiece of Love. It was breathtaking and branched out like a beautiful floral arrangement. The roots were deep and the love was wider than I could ever have imaged. (Ephesians 3:14) And, wrapped around this centerpiece was a ribbon that had the words "from Jesus" handwritten on it. It was a gift so precious that at first, I felt I couldn't receive it. But soon, as I looked at all of the things laid before me on the table, I gave great thanks. With a heart rejoicing, I picked up each one and received them into my life.
It was then I knew that no matter what I am to face and no matter how strong or terrifying the enemy may be, that my Lord is with me. And, He has prepared a table in front of those enemies so that I need have no fear. As I pondered these special gifts given to me on this banquet day, I knew that God was getting ready to prepare the next table, perfectly set, just for me and just for you!
Contributed by Diane Check: calvarycheck@comcast.net Diane has enjoyed writing short morning "thoughts for the day" for associates at her insurance company for the past few years. She lives in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, with her husband and son. She is currently working on her first prayer devotional.
"You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies." Psalm 23:5 (NIV)
As I prepared this weekend for our Super Bowl party, I made a list in advance and checked it twice. I wanted to be sure that everything I needed was on it. Will there be enough food, plates, sodas and snacks? And, will the choices I've selected be agreeable to everyone?
Oh, how I pondered this list over and over again. After all, I needed to be certain that it was just perfect before I headed out and purchased what I needed. How good it felt to be prepared and to know everything was well thought out in advance for this very special day.
As I searched the scriptures this morning, I found a very well known chapter that we've all probably read at least once: Psalm 23. But, as I laid my heart before God, I asked to see what He wanted me to see in this familiar scripture. There before me was, "You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies". Now normally, I would just glance over this and say, "Oh yeah, that was for David and the many enemies he faced daily." Oh, but God opened up my heart to see how incredibly personal and precious this one line of His Word was to me and for each of us.
Just think about it, He prepares a table in front of my enemies. There's no covering it up or hiding in the shadows. And, as He revealed more, I asked just what would be on that table? He showed me the perfect assortment on His list that I would need to face any enemy or difficult situation. Laid out before me was a large table filled with perfectly placed God-given equipment. There was wisdom for when I need it most and a precious vial of oil to soothe my hurting heart from unkind words that may have been spoken to me. There was a large package of grace just begging to be opened before the harsh words that I had waiting on my tongue were spoken. Or, perhaps I needed that extra dose of strength, just to get through the day after feeling so persecuted and beat down.
And, as I continued to look, I saw a whole lot of courage with my name inscribed on it, waiting for me to put it on. There was a plateful of tenderness and a cup overflowing with peace. But, before me on this table so beautifully prepared, was a centerpiece of Love. It was breathtaking and branched out like a beautiful floral arrangement. The roots were deep and the love was wider than I could ever have imaged. (Ephesians 3:14) And, wrapped around this centerpiece was a ribbon that had the words "from Jesus" handwritten on it. It was a gift so precious that at first, I felt I couldn't receive it. But soon, as I looked at all of the things laid before me on the table, I gave great thanks. With a heart rejoicing, I picked up each one and received them into my life.
It was then I knew that no matter what I am to face and no matter how strong or terrifying the enemy may be, that my Lord is with me. And, He has prepared a table in front of those enemies so that I need have no fear. As I pondered these special gifts given to me on this banquet day, I knew that God was getting ready to prepare the next table, perfectly set, just for me and just for you!
Contributed by Diane Check: calvarycheck@comcast.net Diane has enjoyed writing short morning "thoughts for the day" for associates at her insurance company for the past few years. She lives in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, with her husband and son. She is currently working on her first prayer devotional.
